MGM National Harbor now open for entertainment, gambling

MGM National Harbor officials host- ed a media preview Monday inside the new $1.4 billion luxury gaming resort. Representatives from local and regional media outlets were given an exclusive tour of the property including its hotel lobby, conservatory, casino, restaurants, public art collection and retail corridor called “The District.” The casi- no opened Thursday evening.

The 24-story, 308-room resort features amenities and experiences for locals and visitors from around the world. The casino alone, which has over 125,000 square feet of space, includes more than 3,300 slot machines, table games, a pok- er area, bar and its own cocktail lounge, Blossom.

Other amenities include 74 premier suites; two nightlife venues with cocktail programs; the MGM National Harbor Heritage Collection featuring artwork inspired by the Capital Region’s heritage; a luxury spa and salon; an intimate 3,000-seat theater intended to host big name entertainers and events; 50,000 square feet of meeting space; restaurants from chefs Marcus Samuelsson, José Andrés and brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio; and high-end branded retail including actress Sarah Jessica Parker’s first standalone store, SJP.

National Market will boast nine distinct venues, including Shake Shack, District Deli, Bento Sushi Bar, S’Cream Ice Cream & Treats, George Washington Beer & Wine, Pappas Crabcakes, Honey’s Fired Chicken & Donuts, Zizi’s Pizza, Amo Los Tacos Taqueria Mexicana, Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Starbucks as well as Pan-Asian restaurant Ginger and MGM’s own TAP Sports Bar.

A vantage point from the entrance on the first level where guests will be greeted by Liao Yibai’s chrome art piece, “Fighting Cash,” which shows the Chinese Yuan fighting the U.S. Dollar. There are hallways to the left that lead into MGM’s retail...

STAFF PHOTOS BY JOHNATHON CLINKSCALES The upstairs area near the front desk features a lobby bar, MGM grand ballroom, 50,000 square feet of meeting space, restrooms and convention center.

Media representatives check out the Pan-Asian restaurant, Ginger, as MGM Resorts International Public Relations Manager Suzie Rugh leads a tour into a retail corridor called “The District.” Guests will find actress Sarah Jessica Parker’s first...

Guests will be able to purchase tickets at the box office downstairs as soon as they come off the escalator. Nearby amenities include an intimate 3,000-seat theater slated to host the entertainment industry’s biggest acts and events.

One of MGM National Harbor’s nightlife venues, Blossom Cocktail Lounge, located inside the casino area.